After meeting their freshman year at the University of Arizona, Arden (Montgomery) Gilfillan and Margaux Reaume bonded over their love of food, cooking and entertaining. Today, Gilfillan and Reaume are both sommeliers with a five-year-old wine business, Argaux, based in Costa Mesa. Learn about Arden (Montgomery) Gilfillan and Margaux Reaume…
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI (Arden) and Pasadena, CA (Margaux)
First job: Arden: Coat check at a local restaurant. Margaux: Lifeguard. We both started working at a young age and have always valued what any job can teach you as long as you are willing to put in hard work.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in California: Arden: Being outside. Coming from the cold Midwest, I try not to take this weather for granted. Margaux: Cooking. It’s my favorite pastime and is almost meditative. It’s a great way for me to “turn off” after work.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Starting Argaux and continuing to grow the business. Having your own business is a challenge. There is nothing easy about it. We work tirelessly to continue refining, pivoting, problem solving and strategizing. It’s the hardest thing we’ve done, but it’s also the most rewarding. The best part about it, is it keeps evolving and that is what makes it exciting and fun. We are constantly learning. Every day is different, and every day is an accomplishment.
The biggest obstacle you’ve overcome: 2020! Like many small businesses, 2020 presented a slew of obstacles. Our problem-solving skills were put to the test, and we came out the other side stronger than ever. We kept our heads down, and stayed focused amidst the chaos. It’s a year and a moment in the storyline of our business we will never forget.
Someone who inspires you and why: We are both inspired by our parents. The hard work they put in to build a family and provide for that family.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: It’s all about relationships with customers and partners. Stay in contact with people you click with, those who think like you and are passionate about aspects of the industry that excite you.
Favorite quote: “When you love what you do and have fun doing it, the journey is that much sweeter!”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: Arden: I am from Wisconsin. Margaux: I’m a snow and wakeboarder.
What makes someone fabulous in your own words: A positive attitude and willingness to work hard.